The federal government has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mota- Engil Group on the construction of 1.959billion dollars Kano-Maradi Standard Gauge Railway lines.

Transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, in a statement by Eric Ojiekwe, the ministry’s spokesman said the project was aimed at linking the whole country by rail.

Mr. Amaechi signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria while the Managing Director, Mota- Engil, Antonio Gvoea, signed on behalf of the contracting firm.

He said the new railway corridor which is to be located in northern Nigeria will run through Kano, Jigawa and Katsina and through Niger Republic territory as far as Maradi.

Other cities such as Danbatta, Kazaure, Daura, Mashi, Katsina and Jibiya would also be affected by the rail line in Nigeria, the minister said.

The 283.750 kilometre rail line would help develop freight and passenger transport as it would be integrated with road transport.

Mr. Amaechi added that it would contribute greatly to the local economy as well as the nation’s social sector.

The duration for the project is 36 months and the contract type is Engineering, Procurement and Construction, the minister noted.